When to Change Your Engine Air Filter

Car and Engine Filters

It’s a good idea to install a new engine air filter at least once every 30,000 to 45,000 miles, or roughly once every three to four years. Knowing when it is time to change an engine air filter protects your engine, boosts performance, and improves the longevity of your vehicle! If you have any questions about when to change your engine air filter, or any of the signs you need an engine air filter change, you can always reference your owner’s manual. You can also trust the service center at Sid Dillon Ford Crete to make sure that your vehicle is able to run smoothly on the roads around Lincoln and beyond.


What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

Your engine pulls in air from the outside world and uses it to combust the fuel in your chamber. The engine air filter ensures that this air is free of dirt, dust, sand, and other contaminants that could hinder ignition or cause grime to build up in your engine.

Since the engine air filter is responsible for filtering out whatever is in the air, it stands to reason that more frequent engine air filter replacement is warranted in some cases. If you regularly drive in an area with many allergens, lots of dirt or gravel roads, or polluted air, it may be a good idea to visit our service center more often than your owner’s manual recommends. Keep in mind that your engine air filter and your cabin air filter are two different components with two different purposes. You’ll need to replace both on schedule.


Signs You Need a New Engine Air Filter

Perhaps you’re not sure when your current air filter was installed, or you just want to keep an eye out for any possible warning signs while you’re driving around Seward. If you’ve recently purchased a used vehicle, you’ll want to be on the lookout for the following signs of a dying air filter as well:

  • Reduced Fuel Economy
  • Unusual Engine Sounds
  • Check Engine Light
  • Misfiring Engine
  • Lower Horsepower
  • Black smoke / flames from exhaust
  • Air filter is dirty
  • Smell of gas when starting car

Continuing to drive with an expired engine air filter will prevent your vehicle’s air intake from functioning properly, potentially lowering your gas mileage. It will also cause increasing amounts of grime to build up in your combustion chamber, potentially leading to damage or costly repairs.


Can You Replace Your Engine Air Filter at Home?

We’re more than happy to inspect your cabin air filter and install a new, manufacturer-approved air filter at our service center, just a short drive from Omaha. However, since the engine air filter is usually easy to access, you might feel comfortable replacing it on your own if you know when to change your air filter. Here’s what to do:

  1. Check your owner’s manual to find out where your engine air filter is located.
  2. If it’s in a spot that you can reach without too much trouble, pick up an approved air filter from our parts department.
  3. Making the switch is as easy as popping out the old air filter and installing the new one—just make sure that you have a garbage bag at the ready, or you’ll end up spreading dust and contaminants over everything nearby.

Sid Dillon Ford Crete is Here to Keep Your Car Running in Top Condition

Our comprehensive inspections and services are here to make sure that your vehicle is running smoothly for years to come, so that you can easily get the most out of your vehicle. Let our team make sure your vehicle is still in top condition today by scheduling a service appointment. Looking for more tips? Learn how to spot bad spark plugs with our team.


Ford Service Coupons in Crete

Ford Employees and Retirees - Get four $50 instant service discounts to use or share.*

Eligible Services Include: The Works® Package, Tires, Brakes, Batteries, and More!

*Active U.S. Ford Employees and Retirees only. Generate up to 4 PINs at FordServiceDiscount.com from 4/15/26-9/7/26 for personal use or to share. Limit 1 PIN per VIN. Receive a $50 instant discount on eligible maintenance services with a minimum $100 customer-pay repair order. Eligible services include oil changes, The Works®, brakes, batteries, tires, wipers, and filters. Requires purchase and installation of genuine Ford/Motorcraft® Parts or select name-brand tires. Valid only on Ford and Lincoln vehicles at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present PIN at write-up; prior authorization required. PINs expire 60 days after generation. See Service Advisor for full details through 9/7/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane®, Motorcraft®, and The Works® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 09/07/2026

Get a $20 rebate or earn 5,000 Ford Rewards bonus Points on The Works® Package.*

• Synthetic Blend Oil and Filter Change
• Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
• Brake Inspection
• Vehicle Checkup
• Fluid Top-Off
• Battery Test
• Filter Check
• Belts and Hoses Check

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Includes up to 6 quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Excludes hybrid battery test. Limit 1 offer per vehicle. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 08/31/2026

We'll beat your best price on a set of four tires,* plus get up to a $125 rebate.**

On these name brands: Goodyear®, Bridgestone, Yokohama®, Hankook, Firestone, Pirelli, Toyo®, Nitto®, Cooper®, Falken, and Kelly®.

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Dealer-installed retail/fleet purchases only. Must present competitor's current ad for the exact tire within 30 days of purchase. Online quotes must be for new tires from direct retailer sites (excludes marketplaces/third-party resellers). See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Dealer-installed purchases only. Limit 1 tire rebate per retail vehicle (15 per fleet). $125 rebate or 27,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Goodyear® Assurance WeatherReady 2, Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Eagle F1 All-Season, and Wrangler Steadfast HT; Bridgestone Alenza Prestige and Dueler A/T Ascent; and Yokohama® Geolandar X-AT, Geolandar M/T, and Geolandar X-MT. $100 rebate or 22,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Hankook, Bridgestone (excludes Alenza Prestige and Dueler A/T Ascent product lines), Firestone Destination A/T2, Destination X/T, and Destination M/T2; Pirelli, Toyo® (excludes medium and commercial/Motorsport), and Yokohama (excludes Geolandar X-AT, Geolandar M/T, and Geolandar X-MT product lines). $80 rebate or 18,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Nitto Motivo 365, NT555 G2, Invo, Neo Gen, NT05, NT420V, EXO Grappler AWT, Dura Grappler, Nomad Grappler, Ridge Grappler, Recon Grappler A/T, Trail Grappler M/T, Terra Grappler G3, and Mud Grappler (excludes 37" and larger sizes). $70 rebate or 16,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Goodyear (excludes Assurance WeatherReady 2, Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Eagle F1 All-Season, and Wrangler Steadfast HT product lines), Cooper®, and Firestone (excludes Destination A/T2, Destination X/T, and Destination M/T2 product lines). $60 rebate or 14,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Falken WILDPEAK A/T4W. $50 rebate or 12,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Falken AKLIMATE, WILDPEAK A/T Trail, and ZIEX CT60 A/S. $40 rebate or 10,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Kelly. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See U.S. dealer for details.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Military and First Responders - Receive an $80 instant discount with the purchase and installation of four select tires.*

On these name brands: Goodyear®, Michelin, BFGoodrich®, Continental, General, Pirelli, Hankook, Bridgestone, Falken, and Toyo®.

*Available to active and retired Military and First Responders. Receive an $80 instant discount on a set of four qualifying tires from participating brands (Goodyear®, Michelin, BFGoodrich®, Continental, General, Pirelli, Hankook, Bridgestone, Falken, and Toyo®). Excludes Toyo medium and commercial/Motorsport patterns. Combinable with other eligible offers. Dealer-installed purchases only at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present nontransferable Hero Code at purchase (requires ID.me validation). Limit 2 Hero Codes per calendar year per customer. Valid for tires purchased and installed 1/1/26-12/31/26. Unused codes expire 12/31/26. See Military and First Responders Tire Discount for details. Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Get a $20 rebate or earn 5,000 Ford Rewards Points with purchase and installation of a Motorcraft® Tested Tough® PLUS or MAX Battery.*

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Dealer-installed retail purchases only. Visually inspect and test battery using tester. Excludes hybrid battery test. Limit 1 rebate per vehicle. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See Service Advisor for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Low Price Tire Guarantee*

Find a better price within 30 days, and we'll beat it on over a dozen major tire brands for all makes and models.

*Dealer-installed retail/fleet purchases only. Must present competitor's current ad for the exact tire within 30 days of purchase. Online quotes must be for new tires from direct retailer sites (excludes marketplaces/third-party resellers). See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

The Works® Package Synthetic Blend Oil Change and More*

• Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
• Brake Inspection
• Vehicle Checkup
• Fluid Top-Off
• Battery Test
• Filter Check
• Belts and Hoses Check

*Includes up to 6 quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Excludes hybrid battery test. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee*

*Available for Motorcraft® brake pads purchased after 7/1/14. Nontransferable. Requires copy of original repair order and completion of any necessary brake service (e.g., rotor service). Pads must be installed by a U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® technician. Covers pads only; labor costs excluded. Excludes commercial delivery, taxi, limousine, postal, police, tow, racing, and emergency vehicles. See Service Advisor for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane® and Motorcraft® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Complimentary Brake Inspection*

Performed by an expert technician.

*Inspect brake friction material, caliper operation, rotors, drums, hoses, and connections. Inspect parking brake for damage and proper operation. See Service Advisor for details. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Motorcraft® Tested Tough® PLUS Batteries, $149.95 MSRP, or redeem 30,000 Ford Rewards Points.*

With 24-Month Battery Replacement Warranty

*With exchange. Taxes and installation extra. Warranty includes complimentary towing on dealer-installed batteries. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. See Service Advisor for vehicle applications and limited-warranty details. Expires 7/6/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Have your battery tested at no charge.*

Be sure you have the starting power you need.

*Visually inspect and test battery using tester. Hybrid battery test excluded. See Service Advisor for details. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Earn and redeem Points on Ford Service with Ford Rewards.*

Ford Rewards members can redeem Points for service and earn 10 Points per $1 spent on eligible Ford Service.**
Join and activate Ford Rewards by downloading the Ford app or visiting FordRewards.com.

*To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of qualifying activity. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Limitations apply. Earn Points for the purchase of Ford, Motorcraft®, or Omnicraft™ Parts and associated labor at participating Ford Dealers. See FordRewards.com for terms and FAQ. Motorcraft® and Omnicraft™ are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. The Ford app is compatible with select smartphone platforms and available via download. Message and data rates may apply. Visit Ford.com for privacy notice.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Pickup & Delivery

When you need service, your dealer will pick up your vehicle, service it at the dealer, and deliver it back to you. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. Nonoperational vehicles are not eligible and require Roadside Assistance. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Mobile Service

Let your dealer come to you at your home or office to perform routine vehicle maintenance there on the spot. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Motorcraft® Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.*

Motorcraft parts are covered for a full two years with unlimited mileage. Even limited labor costs are included.*

*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Parts Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.*

Ford Parts are covered for a full two years with unlimited mileage. Even limited labor costs are included.*

*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.

Expires: 12/31/2026

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2375 East Highway 33, Crete, NE, 68333
Sid Dillon Ford Crete 40.644238, -096.935412.